Portion Capsule Having an Identifier

ABSTRACT

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided and being closed by a membrane fastened to the basic element.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches.

Such portion capsules are well known and are being launched on the market in a variety of embodiments, however they still show potential for improvement in terms of stiffness and/or liquid flow in the capsule.

It was therefore the object of the present invention to provide a portion capsule which does not have the disadvantages of the prior art.

The object is accomplished with a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a barcode, which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom area, in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches, wherein their longitudinal extent is provided at an angle (α)>0 and <180° relative to a central axis/rotation axis.

Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject matter, and vice versa.

The present invention relates to a portion capsule for producing a beverage or foodstuff, which has a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided. Such a portion capsule is made, for example, of plastic, a metallic material, in particular aluminum, a natural material and/or a biodegradable material and has a basic element, in particular a deep-drawn basic element, which is preferably frustoconical, cylindrical or cup-shaped. The raw beverage material, which is extracted and/or dissolved by a liquid, in particular water, for example, is filled into the cavity of the portion capsule. Preferably, the raw beverage material is ground coffee, tea, milk powder and/or cocoa powder. The basic element is preferably closed after the raw beverage material has been filled in, in particular with a membrane. The membrane is preferably provided opposite the bottom of the basic element. The membrane may be made of the same or a different material than the basic element and is preferably fastened to the basic element by sealing and/or bonding. For example, the membrane is a film with at least one layer, such as a plastic or metal layer. Preferably, the membrane has a sealing layer. Preferably, the portion capsule is substantially rotationally symmetric. The portion capsule may rotate during the beverage production process. In this case, the liquid is preferably provided at a very low overpressure, for example 0.5-3 bar overpressure. However, it is also possible for the liquid to be provided at a pressure of up to 30 bar, especially if the portion capsule is not moved during the beverage production process.

According to the invention, it is provided that this portion capsule has an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule. In the context of the invention, individualizing preferably means that the respective portion capsule can be associated with a group that is suitable for the respective coffee machine. It is not necessary for the coffee machine to recognize which portion capsule in particular is involved, but merely to recognize that the respective portion capsule belongs to a group of portion capsules which is suitable for the respective coffee machine. In particular, individualizing means that portion capsules that are not suitable for the respective coffee machine cannot be inserted into it and/or fall out again directly and/or that the coffee machine is only to be operated with the correct capsules. Preferably, a sensor/detection means provided on the coffee machine detects this identifier and compares it preferably with a stored identifier. Preferably, the coffee machine, in particular the water-providing pressure pump will only be activated, if the detected identifier matches the reference identifier. Otherwise, the coffee machine will not start operating.

The identifier is preferably a barcode provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane. The identifier can be printed or realized by means of embossing, for example. The barcode has alternating stripes with different optical properties. These stripes can each have a different width, wherein the width in each case stands for a number between 0 and 9. The barcode can also be a bit code, i.e. a combination of 0 and 1. Several stripes with the same value can also be arranged next to each other. In this case, the width of the stripe corresponds to a multiple of “0” or “1”.

However, the identifier can also be another code, for example a QR code or a code consisting of an optically detectable pattern.

According to the invention, indentations and/or protrusions are provided in the wall region, which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom region. In this subject matter of the present invention, the indentations and/or protrusions are configured as grooves/notches.

These grooves/notches can be of any cross-section, for example round, oval or polygonal. The grooves may extend over the entire surface of the wall region or the grooves may be present only in sections so that a region below the periphery region and/or above the bottom is not provided with grooves. Preferably, the grooves extend around the entire circumference of the wall region. However, it is also conceivable for the grooves to extend over only part of the circumference. The grooves can be provided equidistantly or have a different spacing. The grooves may extend from the wall in the direction of the interior or vice versa. Preferably, the grooves are produced by deep drawing or embossing, in particular during deep drawing/embossing of the basic element.

According to the invention, the longitudinal extension of the grooves is provided at an angle>0 and <180° relative to a central axis/rotation axis. The grooves extend along the wall region, however, they are provided at an angle to the central axis/rotation axis.

In the event that the portion capsule is rotated during the beverage production process, the grooves can rise with the direction of rotation from the bottom to the periphery of the basic element or vice versa.

In the event that the wall region has several grooves, these can be provided parallel to each other or have a different angle to the central axis/rotation axis.

The grooves can all have the same or a different length in the longitudinal extension direction. The cross-section of the individual grooves can be the same or different.

The grooves provided at an angle of inclination have the advantage of increasing stability in the longitudinal direction and/or in the circumferential direction. Furthermore, the extraction of the raw beverage material and/or its dissolution can be positively influenced by the inclined grooves.

A further or preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule in which the cross-section of the grooves/notches varies with their longitudinal extension

This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at the outset.

Explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to the other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject matter, and vice versa.

According to this subject matter of the present invention, the cross-section of the grooves changes along their longitudinal extension. This change may be continuous or discontinuous. The change may only affect the size of the cross-section while maintaining the same shape. However, it is also possible that the cross-sectional shape changes alternatively or additionally. When the cross-section is increased, the size of the cross-section can increase from the periphery of the basic element in the direction of the bottom of the basic element, or vice versa. The change in cross-section may extend over the entire length of the groove or only over a partial region.

The grooves can have different cross-sections and/or cross-sectional profiles.

A further or preferred subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule in which grooves/notches are provided at least partially crossing each other.

This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at the outset.

The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject matter, and vice versa.

Crossing grooves create a particularly good swirling of the liquid in the portion capsule and/or give the portion capsule a particular stability.

At least two grooves provided on the circumference of the basic element cross. However, there can also be more. The angle at which the two grooves cross can be the same or different. The distance of the crossing point of two grooves may differ in its spacing from the periphery region and/or from the bottom of the basic element. A groove may have more than one crossing point.

Yet another subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as a golf ball structure.

This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at the outset.

The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject matter, and vice versa.

According to the invention, the portion capsule has a golf ball structure in the region of the wall. This golf ball structure has a plurality of indentations and/or protrusions in which the length and the width are preferably at least substantially the same. For example, the cross-section of each indentation and/or protrusion is circular, oval or polygonal, in particular quadrangular or polygonal. The indentations and/or protrusions may be provided equidistantly and/or according to a pattern. The indentations and/or protrusions can extend around the entire circumference of the basic element, in particular its wall region, or be provided only in sections. The individual indentations and/or protrusions may differ in their cross-sectional shape and/or depth. An indentation preferably extends in the direction of the interior of the portion capsule and a protrusion preferably extends in the opposite direction.

Another subject matter of the present invention is a portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being closed by a membrane fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a barcode which is provided on the side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided which extend at least in sections between the periphery and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches and/or the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as a golf ball structure, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are applied.

This subject matter of the invention also accomplishes the object set forth at the outset.

The explanations made with respect to this subject matter of the present invention apply equally to other subject matter, and vice versa. Features disclosed with respect to this subject matter of the present invention may be combined with features of other subject matter, and vice versa.

In this subject matter of the present invention, the indentations and/or protrusions are applied to the basic element from the same or a different material as the basic element. The indentations and/or protrusions may be prefabricated and, for example, bonded to the basic element or applied to the basic element and dried there.

In the following, the inventions are explained with reference to the Figures. These explanations are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. The explanations apply equally to all subject matter of the present invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 2 shows details of the cross-section of a groove.

FIGS. 3 und 4 each show embodiments of the portion capsule according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a first embodiment of the portion capsule 1 according to the invention. This comprises a basic element 14, which in the present case is cup-shaped and has a wall region 4 and a bottom area 7. At the end of the bottom area opposite the basic element, a circumferential periphery 3 is provided, the circumference/outer diameter of which is larger than the circumference/outer diameter of the wall region of the basic element so that a flange-like element 3 is obtained. A cover film 2 is provided on this periphery, for example by means of sealing or bonding, which hermetically seals the portion capsule after a raw beverage material, for example ground coffee, has been filled into the portion capsule. Preferably, the portion capsule is provided rotationally symmetrical about a central axis 8. According to a preferred embodiment, the portion capsule is rotated during the beverage manufacturing process, for example during extraction, as shown by the arrow 16. Preferably, the portion capsule is pierced in the region of its cover film/membrane, in particular in the central region, and the beverage to be produced is also discharged via the cover film, preferably via perforations in the membrane, which are provided in particular in a circular manner in the vicinity of the upper end of the wall region. Furthermore, according to the invention, the portion capsule has an identifier 15 which allows the portion capsule to be individualized so that, for example, the amount of liquid and/or the temperature of the liquid can be controlled individually for each portion capsule. This identifier is provided on the rear side of the flange as symbolized by the arrow 15, i.e. on the side of the flange opposite the membrane.

Furthermore, according to the invention, the portion capsule according to FIG. 1 has indentations and/or protrusions 5, which in the present case are configured as grooves. In the present case, several grooves 5 are preferably provided equidistantly. These grooves can extend over the entire circumference of the wall region or only over a partial region of the circumference. The grooves each have a longitudinal extent, the length of which is symbolized by the reference sign 11. Preferably, the indentations and/or protrusions are provided spaced apart from the flange, which is symbolized by the reference sign 6. The indentations and/or protrusions can extend into the bottom area 7 or be spaced apart from it, the spacing being symbolized by the reference sign 9. The spacing between the indentations and/or protrusions may be the same or different, which is symbolized by the reference sign 10. As mentioned above, in the present case the indentations and/or protrusions are represented as grooves provided relative to the alignment of the central axis 8 at an angle α thereto, this angle α being greater than 0 and less than 180 degrees so that the indentations and/or protrusions do not extend parallel to the central axis. This embodiment of the present invention has the advantage of achieving an increased stiffness of the wall region of the basic element and of enhancing the extraction process for coffee. In the present case, the angle α is such that the indentations and/or protrusions are aligned in the direction of rotation 16 of the portion capsule, as seen from the bottom in the direction of the flange, which in particular enhances the drainage of the extraction liquid from the portion capsule, but also results in a particularly intimate extraction liquid/coffee powder contact. The grooves can function here as a liquid collection channel which drains the liquid in the direction of the holes in the cover film.

FIG. 2 shows four different cross-sections 17 of the indentations and/or protrusions 5, in particular of the grooves. It can be clearly seen that this cross-section is triangular in embodiment a), rectangular or square in embodiment b), round or oval in embodiment c) and polygonal in embodiment d). By the reference signs 12, 13 and 13, 12, respectively, it is symbolized that the indentations and/or protrusions can be provided both in the direction of the interior and away therefrom, wherein indentations embossed in the direction of the interior of the basic element are preferred

The indentations and/or protrusions can be produced by deep drawing or embossing, for example.

The basic element of the portion capsule is preferably made of a metallic material, in particular aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The same applies to the cover film/membrane, wherein this preferably has an additional sealing layer. The material thickness of the basic element is preferably greater as the material thickness of the cover film. The indentations and/or protrusions can be produced by embossing and/or deep drawing.

FIGS. 3 and 4 each show a further embodiment of the portion capsule according to the invention.

In the embodiment according to FIG. 3, crossing indentations and/or protrusions, in particular grooves, are provided as indentations and/or protrusions. These grooves may be provided in a single row or, as shown in the present case, in multiple rows and may extend over the entire or only a partial region of the circumference or height of the basic element.

FIG. 4 shows a portion capsule in which a golf ball structure is provided in the wall region of the basic element, in this case in the form of indentations, i.e. indentations extending in the direction of the cavity. In the present case, the indentations are provided equidistantly and/or according to a repeating pattern. In the present one, the golf ball structure has been produced with elements having a circular cross-section. The skilled person will recognize, however, that the cross-section may also be triangular or polygonal, for example. Diamond-shaped structures and/or a diamond grid are also feasible. The golf ball structure does not have to extend over the entire wall region, but can be provided spaced apart from both the flange and/or the bottom. The golf ball-like structure imparts increased stiffness to the basic element of the portion capsule while maintaining the same material thickness. The golf ball structure can also improve extraction by improving liquid/solid contact.

In all embodiments, it is preferred that the indentations and/or protrusions are provided such that the formed basic element can be removed from the thermoforming or embossing mold. Preferably, the indentation and/or protrusion does not have an undercut.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

-   -   1 portion capsule     -   2 cover film, membrane     -   3 periphery, circumferential periphery, flange     -   4 wall region     -   5 indentation, protrusion, groove     -   6 spacing between indentation surface and periphery     -   7 bottom area     -   8 central axis rotation axis     -   9 spacing between indentation surface and periphery     -   10 spacing between two indentations and/or protrusions     -   11 length of an indentation and/or protrusion     -   12 interior of the portion capsule     -   13 outer region of the portion capsule     -   14 basic element     -   15 identifier, barcode     -   16 rotation direction of the portion capsule     -   17 cross-section     -   18 golf ball structure 

1. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches, wherein their longitudinal extent is provided at an angle >0 and <180° relative to a central axis/rotation axis.
 2. The portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein a cross-section of the grooves/notches changes with their longitudinal extension.
 3. The portion capsule according to claim 1, wherein the grooves/notches are provided at least partially crossing each other.
 4. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as a golf ball structure.
 5. The portion capsule according to claim 4, wherein the indentations have a circular, oval or polygonal cross-section.
 6. A portion capsule for producing a beverage, comprising a basic element having a wall region and a bottom area spanning a cavity in which a raw beverage material is provided, and having a periphery region provided on the basic element and the cavity being preferably closed by a membrane which is fastened to the periphery region of the basic element, the portion capsule having an identifier which makes it possible to individualize the respective portion capsule, wherein the identifier is a code, in particular a barcode, which is provided on a side of the periphery region of the basic element facing away from the membrane, and wherein indentations and/or protrusions are provided, which extend at least in sections between the periphery region and the bottom area in the wall region, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are grooves/notches and/or the indentations and/or protrusions are provided as golf ball structure, wherein the indentations and/or protrusions are applied.
 7. Use of the portion capsule according to claim 1 for preparing a hot beverage. 